The board of directors of the Downtown Hays Development Corp. announced today Sara Bloom, a native of Lindsborg and former Hays resident, has been named executive director of the DHDC.

“We were fortunate in our search to have had a number of outstanding applicants,” said Sandy Jacobs, board president. “Sara’s experience, personality and passionate desire to continue the growth and prosperity of our Downtown brought her to the top. We are thrilled to be welcoming Sara to the Downtown Hays Development Corp. Sara’s acceptance of this position brings a wonderful young family back to this great community — an added bonus. Please join the board in providing Sara with a warm welcome.”

“I am so grateful for this opportunity with the DHDC,” Bloom said. “My family and I are excited to return to the city we love and I am confident that my background and skill set will make a significant contribution to the Hays community.”

DHDC is led by a board of 13 volunteer directors from all sectors of the community. The DHDC is a privately and publicly funded corporation and receives funding from the city of Hays as an outside agency.

The DHDC also holds a fundraiser annually called Wines & Steins and hosts other community events throughout the year. In addition to those funding sources, the DHDC has an annual Partnership Program that allows for individuals and businesses to financially contribute to the corporation. These funds are used for operating and long term projects in Downtown Hays. Other events are supported by local business and individual sponsorship. The DHDC has been instrumental in encouraging the successful growth and expansion of the Downtown Hays district over the past several years.

Bloom replaces Traci Stanford, who resigned her position last month.